CMMI Frequently Asked Questions and their responses from CMMI Consultant(s)

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As CMMI Consultants, you might have come across the question about Implementation Infrastructure – What is Implementation Infrastructure? How ISO Management System Standard provides system for it and how it is different from Implementation Infrastructure practice area in CMMI Version 2.0?

Implementation Infrastructure refers to the back-bone provided within the organization that helps to implement the processes effectively in order to ensure conformity of product and service to the specifications. This skeletal framework or back-bone can include [1] Resources: physical infra-structure and associate utilities equipment [hardware and software], transportation resources human resources, etc. [2] Documentation or Process Assets: Processes, Plans, Control Parameters, Data Management, Trend Analysis, Standard Operating Procedures at various level [3] Competence Build-up Programs and/or Training.

Implementation Infrastructure in context of ISO Management System Standards

ISO standards, over a period of time, have evolved and now their structure has been stream-lined / unified across different management system standards into 10 clauses. This is one of the major changes that will help in accelerating the implementation of different management system ISO standards. ISO 9001, the Quality Management System Standard, has the Operational Clauses [8.1, 8.2,8.3,8.4,8.5,8.6,8.7] which provide the wherewithal for implementation of processes. Also, there is “Clause 7.1.3 Infrastructure” which defines the requirements for determining, providing and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for the operation of its processes and to achieve conformity of products and services. In addition, the ISO Management System Standards, have the concept of Continual Improvement, Internal Audit, Customer Feedback and Management Review for ensuring the improvement of the processes is sustained.

Implementation Infrastructure in context of CMMI V2.0 [CMMI V2.0 is the copyright of CMMI Institute]

Recently, CMMI Institute released the Version 2.0 of the CMMI. The new model added the Implementation Infrastructure Practice Area which deals with the Process Implementation and Improvement activities within the organization. CMMI defines infrastructure as everything required to implement, perform, and maintain the organization’s set of processes and this includes – processes, resources (e.g., people, tools, consumables, facilities), funds, training for processes, evaluations of process implementation. This ensures that processes become a part of habit.

Difference in the Implementation Infrastructure in CMMI V2.0 and ISO Standard

Fundamentally, the Implementation Infra-structure can be defined the skeletal framework for process implementation. Both standards have similar intent. The impact may differ on the basis of methodologies used.